Town hall meeting will be free and open to the public; all St. Cloud area residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation

Plan would give an estimated 100,000 more Minnesotans the choice to purchase more affordable, high-quality health insurance for themselves and their families

ST. PAUL, MN – At 9:00am on Monday, November 6, 2017, at St. Cloud Technical & Community College, Lt. Governor Tina Smith and Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper will hold a town hall meeting on the “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” proposal. The plan would allow Minnesotans who purchase their health coverage on the individual market to buy-into MinnesotaCare – a program that offers high-quality insurance at more affordable prices. Lt. Governor Smith and Commissioner Piper will review the proposal with St. Cloud area residents, hear their health care stories, and discuss what we can do together to improve access to affordable health insurance.

“Minnesotans are concerned about the rising cost of health insurance for ourselves and our families. This proposal can help,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “For 25 years, MinnesotaCare has offered a more affordable choice for 100,000 Minnesotans. Governor Dayton and I strongly believe that all Minnesotans should be able to purchase this high-quality health insurance. I look forward to hearing from St. Cloud area residents about this proposal, and bringing their stories and input back to the Capitol ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session.”

Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith proposed the MinnesotaCare Buy-In last year. To lower prices and improve access for an estimated 100,000 more Minnesotans, the Governor and Lt. Governor want to give all Minnesotans who purchase their health insurance on the individual market the choice to buy into MinnesotaCare. Those who choose “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” would pay their own way – meaning the cost of their premiums would pay for their coverage.

While the Legislature did not approve MinnesotaCare Buy-In during the 2017 Legislative Session, they will have the opportunity to consider the proposal in 2018. If the plan is approved, MinnesotaCare Buy-In coverage would cost less than commercial health insurance plans. On top of those savings, Minnesotans who purchase MinnesotaCare Buy-In would still be eligible for federal tax credits through MNsure. This year, more than 70 percent of MNsure enrollees are receiving tax credits, averaging about $638 per month, or $7,656 per year.